August 1999 - Page 07

Shareholder Participation Committee Members Lend to Nominating Committee Selection

Among the functions of the Shareholder Participation Committees is to participate in the process of nominating a board-endorsed slate of candidates running for the CIRI Board of Directors.

This year, each of the three Shareholder Participation Committee chairpersons participated in the candidate selection process. Anchorage Area Committee Chair Ray Bouwens, Alaska Committee Chair Ronald Winkelman, and Lower 48 Committee Chair David Shassetz met with board members in person and over the phone to review candidate profiles and information packets.

Over a two-day period, the nominating committee interviewed select candidates before forwarding a recommendation of candidates for the board-endorsed slate. During the interviews, each new and incumbent board candidate is asked about their education, Native involvement, past business accomplishments and failures, family history, and dreams and desires for the future of CIRI.

"I feel this procedure was not only a great learning tool for myself, but also affirmed to me that our corporation has a very fair procedure for giving all shareholders an equal and affordable opportunity to attain a seat on the board," said Bouwens. "I felt that all the members of the selection committee were impressed at how well the process works, and will see that the participation of the SPC groups continues."

Calling Nominations for 1999 Shareholder of the Year and AFN Awards

CIRI is seeking nominations for the annual CIRI Shareholder of the Year Award as well as Alaska Federation of Natives Awards. This is an opportunity for shareholders to formally recognize those who have made a difference for fellow Alaska Natives. CIRI Shareholder of the Year nominees are chosen by the following criteria:

* Promoting pride in the cultural heritage of Alaska Natives;

* Demonstrating commitment to promoting the economic and social well-being of Alaska Natives;

* Preserving the customs, folklore and traditional arts of Alaska Natives.

If you are interested in nominating a shareholder for either CIRI Shareholder of the Year or an AFN award, please complete the following information and questions on a separate piece of paper and return it to CIRI Shareholder Relations.

Nominee Information

Name, address, telephone. How has the nominee demonstrated pride in the cultural heritage of Alaska Natives? How has the nominee demonstrated a commitment to promoting the economic and social well-being of Alaska Natives? How has the nominee preserved the customs, folklore and traditional arts of Alaska Natives?

Please describe why you feel this shareholder should be nominated for any of the following AFN Awards:

Cultural Bearer

Health

Della Keats "Helping Hands"

Parents of the Year

Education

Public Service

Elder of the Year

Roger Lang Youth Leadership

Small Business

Hunter-Fisher

Also include the name, address and telephone number of the person making the nomination. Entry should be submitted to CIRI Shareholder Relations, P.O. Box 93330, Anchorage, AK 99509-3330. Fax: (907) 263-5182.

Taking a few minutes today to complete a Stock Will can save your family members much headache (and heartache). Most people think they're prepared for unexpected events. But that doesn't always include keeping a current will to direct CIRI in how to deal with your shares in the event of death.

You may leave your stock to whomever you wish. However, in order to ensure that your CIRI stock will be distributed in the manner you intend, shareholders are encouraged to execute a Stock Will.

CIRI Stock Will forms are available by contacting CIRI's Shareholder Relations department. Alternatively, you can dispose of your CIRI stock in a general will. It is important to note, however, that a CIRI Stock Will bequest will control the distribution of your stock unless you have executed a later general will which specifically identifies and disposes of the CIRI stock.

A Stock Will is a very specialized will that affects only ANCSA corporate stock. In the absence of a will, CIRI is required to transfer your shares according to Alaska state laws of intestate succession (when a person dies without a will, state law governs what relatives shall inherit that person's stock). Neither the shareholder's family nor CIRI can alter who will receive the shares under the law if there is no will.

Even if you have made a Stock Will or a general will in the past, you should consider whether it needs to be updated. Marriage, divorce, children, inheritance, or changes in plans or circumstances are all reasons to consider filing a new Stock Will.

To obtain a Stock Will form or to address questions about completing the Stock Will form, contact CIRI Shareholder Relations at 274-8638 or toll-free by calling 1-800-764-2474.